Page 60 of That Fire

When I got to the waiting area, I called Seven. I knew that neither of my parents would be in any shape to talk. At least Asad was there for my sister. He didn’t want to leave her with the baby. I was sure he would be here tomorrow to check on Liyah.

“Hello?”

“Hey.”

“I’m so sorry, man. This is so fucked up. How didn’t we know?”

“I’ve been asking myself that question since we found out, man. I would have never guessed he was a drug addict. He was so smart . . . smart as fuck. Nigga was about to lose it over a B. How are my parents, man?”

“As can be expected. I ain’t neva seen Unc look the way he’s looking right now. Aunt Chas either, for that matter. The funeral home is here now, and your parents and Ashanni are back there with them.”

“I wish I could be there.”

“No. This is something that stays with you, man. His death is more than enough. You don’t need this imagery and sorrow. That shit never leaves you.”

I remained quiet because he was right. I could still vividly remember when Grandma and Grandpa died. We hadn’t really been in that house since Grandma died, because Grandpa was barely there. He was mostly at Aunt Jen’s house. That shit was hard on us. First Uncle Kenny’s son, Kendrick, then Grandma, Grandpa, and now Crew. Life wasn’t promised. Any day could be our last.

“Okay, man. I’m gonna go back in to check on Liyah.”

“Okay. Congratulations, bruh.”

“Thanks. Talk to you later.”

I ended the call and went back to the room in search of my peace. When I saw Aaliyah sitting up in bed while Mrs. Harper and Mr. Legend held the babies, my heart practically pulled meto her. She scooted over in bed and I went to her, not caring who was in the room to see me.

I got in next to her and laid my head against hers and cried like there was no hope for tomorrow. She wrapped her arms around me and comforted me the best way she could. “I’m so sorry, baby. So sorry,” she said.

I swallowed hard and pulled my emotions together the best way I could, then wiped my face. Mr. Red came to me and hugged me like a dad would, and I realized he was probably the next best person to do that, besides my own dad.

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

I realized he was quoting scriptures to comfort me. I remained in his embrace as he continued.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

I took a deep breath and could feel the tremble go through my body. These scriptures were comforting. I was experiencing firsthand what Mr. Legend, Aunt Tiff, Malachi, Rylan, and Milana had all experienced when he allowed God to use him.

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

I nodded, thankful for his words of encouragement.

“God is always a present help. Just call on Him. He can offer you comfort like no one else can.”

“I just . . . I’m angry. They say you not supposed to question God, but I just want to know why, man,” I said softly.

“I get it. You can always ask God questions. What you just said about questioning Him, means to doubt that He knows what He’s doing. It’s like asking Him if He’s sure about the decision He made. You know it’s in His hands. You just need clarity on His reasons. Sometimes, He will reveal things to us,and other times, we may never know. The main point to know is that He ultimately knows what’s best. Believe that.”

I nodded as Mr. Legend placed his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you. I really needed that.”

“Anytime, son. Anytime.”

Chapter 20

Aaliyah

Ihad the most beautiful babies in the world, and it was no thanks to me. They both looked like their father. I had breast fed both of them while Royal looked on in love. Last night was filled with sorrow and love. I knew his heart was sorrowful, and mine was too, seeing him unravel, but it was love that carried us through the night.

The babies stayed in the nursery last night so we could sleep. I wasn’t sure how well Royal slept, but I wanted to believe that I slept like a baby. I could feel his tears on my shoulder before I dozed off, and that nearly broke me all over again. I knew today wouldn’t be any better, because I felt like the maternity ward would be filled with Hendersons. They had three babies to love on. I could only pray that these babies offered a reprieve from their grief and heartache.